I’m going to try something new (Thanks to our Broncos  writer, Brenda.) by jotting down observations, big plays, and anything else that stands out during each quarter.

Key Game Status Updates

Rams’ WR Danny Amendola is ACTIVE and will give it a go it seems. Probably more of a decoy but we’ll see.

Rams inactives: QB Austin Davis, WR Steve Smith, RB Terrance Ganaway, LB Mario Haggan, OL Chris Williams, T Joe Barksdale, DT Matt Conrath per STLouisRams.com.

Cardinals inactives include QB Kevin Kolb, RB Alphonso Smith, G Senio Kelemete, T Pat McQuistan, WR Early Doucet, TE Todd Heap, DE Calais Campbell. DE Calais Campbell and WR Early Doucet inactive with injuries. TE Todd Heap is a healthy inactive today.

First Quarter

Cardinals start the quarter steady. Their rookie QB Ryan Lindley is doing a good job of getting his receivers involved by making passes to Andre Roberts, Larry Fitzgerald, and TE Rob Housler.

RB Beanie Wells not getting great push on the run so Lindley is making his mark by throwing to any rookie QB’s best friend, Fitzgerald. Wells gets his mojo back at the right time and rumbles into the end zone for the 1-yard TD.

Game is already getting chippy with unnecessary roughness penalties on Rams S Quintin Mikell and DE Chris Long has to be separated from what looked like Cardinals TE Jeff King.

» Continue reading “Rams At Cardinals Quarter Quick Hits”

I cannot tell a lie. This is one game I had circled back in April when the 2012-2013 Rams schedule was released. This and the London game against the New England Patriots. Hopefully this game will have much better results.

I even predicted that by week 11 the famed Jets back up QB/Punt Protector Tim Tebow would be the starting instead of Mark Sanchez.

Tebow may not get the starting nod but I’d bet my money on Jets head coach Rex Ryan using some sort of Tebow package. If the Jets watched any game tape from the Rams-49ers game they’ll know Tebow can run outside a la San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

I’m going to try something new (Thanks to our Broncos  writer, Brenda.) by jotting down observations, big plays, and anything else that stands out during each quarter.

Let’s see how this goes…

First quarter

The big news of the afternoon: Rookies Janoris Jenkins (CB) and Chris Givens (WR) – INACTIVE for today’s game. On top of that third string DT Kellen Heard was released. All stemming from what the Rams are calling a violation of team rules.

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DT Michael Brockers and DE Robert Quinn share a sack on 49ers QB Alex Smith.

The Rams must have read my game preview. They marched down the field 66 yards with the ground and pound via Steven Jackson in the opening drive. This set up a 36-yard TD from Sam Bradford to rookie wide receiver Brian Quick. Welcome to the game, Mr. Quick. We’ve been waiting for this type of play from you.

Rams defense doing their best to stop RB Frank Gore and the Niners run game. DT Jermelle Cudjo with a big third down tackle for loss. So far so good.

More ground work as Steven Jackson rumbles in 7 yards to score the Rams second TD. They are up 14-0 with 1:47 left in the first quarter. Yep, you heard right. First quarter.

The Rams are pumped and taking it to the 49ers right now. I think they are a little stunned. I know I am.

» Continue reading “Rams At 49ers: Quarter Quick Hits”

Rams K Greg Zuerlein (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

I went into this game with high hopes. Maybe it was the lingering euphoria from the Thursday night‘s win from ten days ago or maybe it was the adrenaline from running a personal best in my 10K race. Either way I knew the Rams were going to get their first road win. I wrote about it, so therefore it will happen.

In what should have been their first win on the road…

The usually outstanding special teams decided to have an off day.

Rams rookie kicker Greg Zuerlein continued his perfect streak by hitting a 48-yard and 32-yard field goal. He was 15 for 15 until… he started hooking his kicks wide left. He went ahead to miss from 52, 37, and at the very end of the game a 66-yard attempt that would have tied up the game.

Fans say the winds at Sun Life Stadium swirled that 37-yard kick off course. Right or wrong those were three points the Rams would like to have back. I won’t give Zuerlein grief for missing at 52-yard attempt and that 66 yarder.

It wasn’t all on Zuerlein though. Someone please tell me why the full back Brit Miller is handling the ball on a kick off? Special teams captain or not he didn’t have any business trying to run with the ball. He subsequently fumbles the return and the Dolphins convert that to three points.

» Continue reading “Rams Beat Themselves In 14-17 Loss To Dolphins”

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb sacked by Rams DT Jermelle Cudjo. 10/04/12 (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Isn’t that just a thing of beauty – from a Rams perspective, of course. If you’re Kevin Kolb this was the reoccurring nightmare that haunted him all night as he was sacked nine times at the Edward Jones Dome. In all, seven Rams defensive players took turns bringing Kolb to the turf. Only defensive end Robert Quinn recorded a hat trick for three sacks.

The Rams defense was more or less the story of the Thursday Night Football. They had their way with the Arizona Cardinals offensively scary offensive line. Poor Cardinal tackles D’Anthony Batiste and Bobby Massie had a long night. The only player who had a worse night - Kolb. Bloody lip, multiple hits, and as you can see from the photo above he had a 311 pound defensive tackle just flatten him. Say what you will about Kolb’s play but you can’t deny that he’s one tough son of a gun.

1) A Rams running man needs to show up.

 The Cardinals are giving up on average 101 yards on the ground which ranks them midrange (15th) in the league.  The collective efforts of Jackson, Richardson, and I’m hoping, Terrance Ganaway, will surpass the century mark.

Okay, so Ganaway didn’t see any action on the field but the Rams did manage to run more than 100 yards this game. Jackson managed to get some long runs during this game which helped set up the passing game. I sort of wondered how he’d play considering news of his contract changes had just come out. If this is indeed his last year playing as a Ram then he’s putting on a good show for future teams.

» Continue reading “Rams Beat Cardinals 3-17 To Stay Perfect At Dome Sweet Dome”

Rams Teammates Gather A Prayer Circle For Rodger Saffold (Personal Photo)

This is not the same old Rams. Yes, they lost the game with two minutes left in the game. Yes, Sam Bradford went down and took a sack to end the game. Yes, we had the false start, stupid personal foul, and offensive holding. But this is not the same old Rams.

The guys at Turf Show Times asked how I’d describe the new 2012-2013 Rams in one word. My answer:

Fisher.

This was just after a third Rams defensive player intercepted Lions QB Matthew Stafford. CB Janoris Jenkins, LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, and CB Cortland Finnegan (Pick 6) all new Fisher additions to the team.

These Rams are competitive and actually got my heart pumping and my stomach churning – in a good way.  The old Rams just made me take down some pillars.

» Continue reading “Rams Lose 27-23 In A Close One Against The Lions”

Just one day away from the Rams last preseason game and two days before the drastic roster cuts to get to that 53-man limit.  This makes it a very critical game for many players on the bubble fighting for their NFL careers.

The Rams have already bid 15 players auf Wiedersehen on Monday as well as a fond farewell to the embattled right tackle Jason Smith.  As previously reported the Jets and Rams more or less swapped struggling right tackles.

In fact, they were so fond of Smith that they picked up the $1.55 million dollar difference between Smith’s contract and Wayne Hunter‘s contract according to Howard Balzer.  Hunter is due $2.45 million in 2012 so basically the Rams fave Smith a parting gift to part ways with the 2009 first round pick

Although Hunter knows the offense already Rams general manager Les Snead said that he would not be playing in the game against the Ravens.  He’s “not quite ready.”

Coach Fisher also had this to say about the trade:

We’ve been talking to the Jets for a week or so. Things started to pick up and we just felt like it was a good deal for both teams and probably a better deal for both players – just a fresh start. So we went ahead and were able to put it together yesterday.

Spin it however you want it but the Rams just didn’t see Jason Smith working out and did what they had to do.  I guess that’s just the nature of the business.  Yes, it’s a game but first and foremost it’s about the bottom line – winning games.  (Okay, and money but I was just trying to be idealistic.)

So what can we expect in week 4 of the preseason?  Coach Fisher is a bit unorthodox in the sense that he had his starters play while most teams scale way back.

In general, yes, a little bit more. Possibly even through halftime in the first series of the third quarter.

Five Things I’ll Be Watching For Week 4 of the Preseason…

» Continue reading “Rams Preseason Week 4: Ravens At Rams Preview”

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Rams RB Daryl Richardson (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Well that was interesting… I had five questions/things to watch and I think they were pretty much answered. Let’s just get into it, shall we?

What I learned from the Rams loss at Dallas:

1) They need to go back to fundamentals. For a team that is lead by a defensive minded head coach their tackling was atrocious. And that’s being nice. Even veterans like Cortland Finnegan were grabbing high (weird for a shorter-ish corner). I’d expect growing pains from the rookies Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson but Finnegan, Quintin Mikell, and Craig Dahl. C’mon guys. In all fairness, those guys did make some plays but the ones they missed were just maddening.

2) The 2011-2012 Sam Bradford reared his skittish head. No movement in the pocket just killed him in the first half. I know he’s still trying to shake the bad memories of being sacked 36 times in 10 games last season but he has to get more mobile. Which leads me to wonder if his doesn’t want to test out that ankle just yet. Wish Bradford had more “escapability.” He finished the night going 6 of 17 for 67 yards.

3) Daryl Richardson is the rookie RB we are excited about. At one point I had to ask myself who was the second round pick and who was the seventh round selection. Pead is still struggling to find open holes (or create them for himself) while Richardson is making headway. Both shared time with the ones and Richardson shined just a bit brighter. Pead finished the night 9 carries for 22 yards while Richardson went for 51 yards on 10 touches. At this point do we crown Richardson RB2? Pead hasn’t shown enough to say no.

» Continue reading “Rams Take A Step Back In 19-20 Loss To Dallas”

How do you start your work day?  If you’re a social media addict like me the first thing I do when my eyes open is lean over for my iPhone and check Twitter.

Seems like some Rams rookie prepare for their work day in a similar fashion.  They reach for their smart phones and tweet their morning salutations to Twitterverse.

Rams rookie WR Chris Givens always starts his day with a simple “#GodFirst.”

But today, not too long after his signature greeting he tweeted this reply to his fellow rookie but defensive teammate CB Janoris Jenkins.

I think we’re going to see a fun practice today.

As iron sharpens iron so shall Givens and Jenkins.  They will only get better as they challenge and battle each other.

Now onto Rams news and notes.

» Continue reading “Pigskin Cover 3: Wednesday Edition”

Weeks of hard work installing new schemes and countless hours of training and practice will come to fruition Sunday for the Rams as they take on the new look Indianapolis Colts sans Peyton Manning.

While the national media will be googlie-eyed for Colts’ rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, Rams fans will be focused on their redesigned team.

What Head Coach Jeff Fisher said after practice on Friday:

We’re keeping things basic, simple, block and tackle. We’ll give them a chance to make plays but we want to see effort, speed and intensity. Especially the young guys, they don’t know what to expect and so the veterans can carry the torch for them. They’ll sit there and watch early and we’ll leave it up to them to finish the game.

Here are the few things I’ll be looking for.  Let’s start with the head ‘stache.

1) Coaches: Head Coach Jeff Fisher – After a surprise departure from the Tennessee Titans after a sixteen year tenure and taking a year off from the NFL, Fisher returns to a comfortable place – on the sidelines coaching a NFL team.  I expect him to be smooth yet strong and making his presence known just like his famous mustache.  There will be an extra little kick in his step as he coaches his first NFL game in over a year.

Linebackers Coach Blake Williams – For lack of a better title he’s really been the on-field defensive play caller through most of training camp and I’d be surprised if this changed somehow for the preseason.  For all intents and purposes the defensive coordinator-by-committee thing is over.  So let’s move on.

2) Quarterback Sam Bradford – He’s shown accuracy and ease with the new Schottenheimer system so far.  But we knew he’s a smart football player.  Question is can his ankle handle the scrambling and running for dear life he’s going to endure with a very questionable offensive line.  If I’m Schotty I get Bradford in and out quickly – maybe one series.  I’m more interested in seeing how the rookie Austin Davis handles a real game.

Bradford on how comfortable he is so far:

I feel good about where I’m at, where the offense is at right now. Obviously we still have a ways to go before we’re ready for the regular season, but that’s what camp’s for, that’s what these preseason games are for. Like I said earlier, I think it’ll be good for us to go out there and just see some different looks. Obviously playing against our defense every day, you kind of see the same looks. Looks repeat themselves. So, it’ll be nice to see something different, see how we adjust to those different things, you know, and learn.

3) Running back Isaiah Pead – With Steven Jackson seeing a series or two at the most, Pead should see a lot of snaps on Sunday.  If the offensive line holds and gives him a crack to wedge through look for him to have a good first game.  I think the Colts defense will be surprised when they see him run up close and personal.  Hello rude awakening.

4) Wide receiver Chris Givens – The Colts defense will be concentrating on more known factors Brandon Gibson and Steve Smith.  Greg Salas will also be targeted often as well as Danny Amendola.  Boy will they be in for a fun day as they watch Givens fly by them.  Bradford on the one wide receiver that has stood out.  See it’s not just me.

It’s hard to single out one guy, but I think Chris Givens has played really well over the past couple weeks. He’s smart, he understands what we’re doing. Rarely does he make a mental mistake. He always seems to be in the right position. I’ve definitely been impressed with what he’s been able to do throughout camp so far.

5) Tight end Mike McNeill – I’ve been pounding the table for Deangelo Peterson for weeks now but another tight end has been added to the mix.  McNeill has been in on quite a few two tight ends sets and saw some playing time with the first offense.  He’s shown good hands and quick feet for his six foot four inch, 235 pound frame.  Second year Lance Kendricks shouldn’t feel too comfortable.

6) The offensive line as a whole – Here’s hoping the sum is greater than the mix-and-match parts.  Stay healthy my friends and keep Bradford upright.  The last thing this line needs (or the whole team for that matter) is anyone getting hurt.  This is the Rams first team offensive line – most of the time:

LT: Quinn Ojinnaka – LG: Bryan Mattison – C: Robert Turner – RG: Harvey Dahl – RT: Barry Richardson.

What does Steven Jackson think about his new o-line?  Clearly the line is not where it should be – yet.  Tick tock goes the clock.  Center Scott Wells needs to get back on the field and pronto!

It hasn’t really taken a while to gel. Our offensive staff and (Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Brian) Schottenheimer has done a good job of installing the offense and making sure that we know all the rules, especially to the protections and the run game. Now, it’s just about getting those five guys to cohesively be on the same page without even having to communicate. Once you get your offensive line to that point, that’s when you know that we’re going to be able to win the line of scrimmage and be able to be productive as an offense.

7) Cornerback Janoris Jenkins - No one is talking about his checkered past and high off field risk so far.  He’s on the field opposite Cortland Finnegan with the first team.  No one should be shocked as he becomes the rookie shutdown corner I think he can be.

8) Defensive tackle Michael Brockers – I’ll be keeping my third eye on the resident cookie monster’s feet.  We’ve seen him in the backfield quite a few times during 11-on-11′s at training camp.  He needs to get on that first quick step against the Colts o-line.  Make your first introduction with Mr. Luck something he’ll never forget.

9) The outside linebacker position – It’s a no brainer that James Laurinaitis will be the Mike linebacker.  The other sides of him is still pretty much up for grabs.  Jo-Lonn Dunbar is my front runner for Will and Mario Haggan for the Sam linebacker.  Josh Hull, Justin Cole, Rocky McIntosh will also be in the mix.

10) Kicker Greg Zuerlein - If training camp is any indication of how well this kid is going to perform then we shouldn’t worry at all.  Greg the Leg has the distance and accuracy to prove why the Rams selected him the sixth round of this years draft.

Funny side note: Friday the kickers stayed after practice for the kids that came for Family Day.  During the autograph session long snapper Travis Tripucka teased Zuerlein about being nervous.  When asked why Zuerlein replied with his own question.  ”What’s the biggest crowd you’ve played in front of?” he said to Tripucka.  Tripucka replied, “Over 100,ooo.”  Could it be that Zuerlein has the first NFL game jitters for Sunday?  Guess the crowds at Nebraska – Omaha and Missouri Western football games weren’t as large.

Final thoughts: Nothing will be decided in terms of starting spots in just one game but throughout the entire preseason as the coaching staff begin their evaluation of players.  Honestly, I’m not expecting a win.  I want everyone to return to St. Louis injury free and looking forward to getting a clearer picture of how the team will look come week one of the regular season.